A case of an 81-year-old woman with ‘broken-heart syndrome’ after a house fire

ABSTRACT

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient cardiomyopathy predominantly characterized by left ventricular hypokinesis and wall motion abnormalities, usually apical ballooning during the systolic phase of heart contraction. The clinical presentation may closely mimic acute coronary syndrome. The majority of the cases are diagnosed in post-menopausal Caucasian women. The exact mechanism of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is unknown. To avoid complications and mortality, early diagnosis and treatment are important.